The Belgian’s performances have been one of few bright spots in Aston Villa’s poor Premier League campaign this season. Unsurprisingly it was Benteke’s impressive attacking display in the second half that sealed a game looking even. Ron Vlaar has opened the scoring with an excellent long-range shot in the 31st minute, but Danny Rose cancelled out his effort with a superb finish into the bottom-right corner a minute later. Weimann put the hosts in front with a strike fom just outside of the area in the 38th minute. Sunderland had a goal disallowed because of foul on the goalkeeper just before the half time. The second half belonged to the Belgian forward, as he headed home the deflected shot in the 55th minute. Benteke scored his second with a powerful header from Westwood’s corner four minutes later. The prolific striker completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute. Agbonlahor rounded off Aston Villa’s victory in the 88th minute.

The result allowed the Villans to go 5 points clear above the relegation zone.

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